Madina Okot: Kenya’s Rising Star Shines in the WNBA
Kenya’s basketball sensation Madina Okot has made history after being selected 13th overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2026 WNBA Draft, becoming the highest-drafted Kenyan player ever.
Her journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Just six years ago, Madina had never played basketball—she was a volleyball player at Bishop Sulumeti School before switching to basketball in 2020. Through hard work and determination, she quickly rose through the ranks.
She first made her mark playing for Kenya Ports Authority and in FIBA 3×3 competitions before moving to the United States. Despite facing visa challenges, she eventually joined Mississippi State University in 2024, later transferring to the University of South Carolina, where she became a dominant force in college basketball.
In her final season, she averaged a double-double, impressed with improved shooting, and helped her team reach the NCAA Final Four.
Now heading to Atlanta, Madina is set to join the Atlanta Dream on a reported rookie deal worth $1.3 million over four years. She is also expected to form a strong frontcourt partnership with WNBA star Angel Reese.
“I’m carrying our flag to the next level,” she said. “I want them to know we belong on any stage.”
From Kenya’s local courts to the world stage, Madina Okot’s rise is inspiring a new generation of African athletes.
